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Int J Clin Exp Pathol 2(2),108-118;2009
Review Article
Caspases as Therapeutic Targets in Alzheimer’s Disease: Is It Time to “Cut” to the
Chase?
Troy T. Rohn and Elizabeth Head
Department of Biology, Science/Nursing Building, Room 228, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, 83725 and Institute for Brain Aging and
Dementia, Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
Received 4 June 2008; Accepted and available online 10 June 2008
Abstract: Mounting evidence suggests the involvement of caspases in the disease process associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The
activation of caspases may be responsible for the neurodegeneration associated with AD and several recent studies have suggested that
caspases may also play a role in promoting pathogenic mechanisms underlying this disease. Thus, caspase activation and cleavage of the
amyloid precursor protein (APP) and tau may facilitate both the production of beta-amyloid (Aβ) as well as the formation of neurofibrillary tangles
(NFTs). Because the activation of caspases in AD may be a proximal event that is not just associated with neurodegeneration, caspases are
potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of this disorder. In this review, studies documenting the role of caspases in the AD brain will be
discussed. In this context, a discussion of the therapeutic value of targeting caspase inhibition in the treatment of AD will be evaluated including
drug targets, delivery and selectivity.(IJCEP806003 ).
Key Words: Apoptosis, caspase, Alzheimer’s disease, Tau, beta-amyloid, amyloid precursor protein, neurofibrillary tangle
Full text PDF
Address all correspondence to: Elizabeth Head, Ph.D., Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, Department of Neurology, University of
California, 1259 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA 92697-4540. Tel: 949-824-8700; Fax: 949-824-2071; Email: ehead@uci.
edu
Review Article
Caspases as Therapeutic Targets in Alzheimer’s Disease: Is It Time to “Cut” to the
Chase?
Troy T. Rohn and Elizabeth Head
Department of Biology, Science/Nursing Building, Room 228, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, 83725 and Institute for Brain Aging and
Dementia, Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
Received 4 June 2008; Accepted and available online 10 June 2008
Abstract: Mounting evidence suggests the involvement of caspases in the disease process associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The
activation of caspases may be responsible for the neurodegeneration associated with AD and several recent studies have suggested that
caspases may also play a role in promoting pathogenic mechanisms underlying this disease. Thus, caspase activation and cleavage of the
amyloid precursor protein (APP) and tau may facilitate both the production of beta-amyloid (Aβ) as well as the formation of neurofibrillary tangles
(NFTs). Because the activation of caspases in AD may be a proximal event that is not just associated with neurodegeneration, caspases are
potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of this disorder. In this review, studies documenting the role of caspases in the AD brain will be
discussed. In this context, a discussion of the therapeutic value of targeting caspase inhibition in the treatment of AD will be evaluated including
drug targets, delivery and selectivity.(IJCEP806003 ).
Key Words: Apoptosis, caspase, Alzheimer’s disease, Tau, beta-amyloid, amyloid precursor protein, neurofibrillary tangle
Full text PDF
Address all correspondence to: Elizabeth Head, Ph.D., Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, Department of Neurology, University of
California, 1259 Gillespie Neuroscience Research Facility, Irvine, CA 92697-4540. Tel: 949-824-8700; Fax: 949-824-2071; Email: ehead@uci.
edu
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